UK to give Huawei a ‘limited role’ in 5G rollout

Huawei will be allowed to play a limited role in the UK’s 5G network, the government has confirmed.

The Telegraph reports that Boris Johnson said on Monday he would never “jeopardise” Britain’s security relationships.

On Tuesday the National Security Council, which comprises senior Cabinet ministers and representatives of the security services, decided to proceed with the Huawei deal even though it is a “high risk vendor” because its risks can be “safely managed”. Banning the company would have cost the UK “tens of billions”, according to a Whitehall source and lead to “significant delays and cost to the consumer.”

The Guardian reports that officials feared banning the provider could have delayed 5G rollout by two to three years, increased the cost to consumers – and dented economic growth.

“Our world-leading cyber-security experts know more about Huawei than any country in the world – and they are satisfied that with our tough approach and regulatory regime, any risks can be managed,” the Whitehall source insisted.

The Guardian / Sky News / Telegraph